Semiconductor device having high speed input circuit

ABSTRACT

In a semiconductor device, an input voltage is applied to a gate of a first MIS transistor of a first conductivity type and gates of second and third MIS transistors of a second conductivity type. The first MIS transistor is connected between a first power supply pad and an output node, the second MIS transistor is connected between the output node and a second power supply pad, and the third MIS transistor is connected between the output node and a third power supply pad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, and more particularly, to the improvement of an input circuit thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a semiconductor device, an input circuit is provided for inputting an input signal of a TTL level and converting it into a signal of a MOS level.

A first prior art input circuit receives a ground voltage from a ground pad which is individually provided from ground pads for functional circuits such as address decoders, sense amplifiers, and data output buffers (See: JP-A-HEI3-183159). This will be explained later in detail.

In the first prior art input circuit, however, since the number of pads is increased, the integration of the device is reduced.

In order to enhance the integration of the device, a ground pad is provided commonly for the input circuit and a functional circuit, to reduce the number of pads. This will be explained later in detail.

In the second prior input circuit, however, since noise due to the operation of the functional circuit is applied via the ground pad to the input circuit, the access speed of the input circuit is decreased, and accordingly, the access speed of the device is decreased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a semiconductor device having a high speed input circuit without reducing the integration thereof.

According to the present invention, in a semiconductor device, an input voltage is applied to a gate of a first MIS transistor of a first conductivity type and gates of second and third MIS transistors of a second conductivity type. The first MIS transistor is connected between a first power supply pad and an output node, the second MIS transistor is connected between the output node and a second power supply pad, and the third MIS transistor is connected between the output node and a third power supply pad.

Thus, since noise applied to the second MIS transistor may not occur simultaneously with noise applied to the third MIS transistor, the noise applied to the input circuit is substantially reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more clearly understood from the description as set forth below, as compared with the prior art, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram illustrating a first prior art semiconductor device;

FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram illustrating a second prior art semiconductor device;

FIG. 3 is a detailed circuit diagram of the device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A and 5B are timing diagrams for explaining the operation of the device of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are timing diagrams for explaining the operation of the device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating a first embodiment of the semiconductor device according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the device of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are timing diagrams for explaining the operation of the device of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are timing diagrams for explaining the operation of the device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the semiconductor device according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating the device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating a third embodiment of the semiconductor device according to the present invention; and

FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating the device of FIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before the description of the preferred embodiments, prior art semiconductor devices will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B.

In FIG. 1, which illustrates a first prior art semiconductor device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) (see: JP-A-HEI3-183159), an input circuit 1 receives an input voltage V_(in) of a TTL level from an input pad PIN and generates an output signal at a node N1. The input circuit 1 is powered by a high voltage V_(cc).sbsp.1 applied to a power supply pad PVCC1 and a low voltage GND1 applied to a ground pad PGND1. The output signal at the node N1 is wave-shaped by an inverter 2 which is also powered by the voltages V_(cc).sbsp.1 and GND1, and a wave-shaped signal is obtained at a node N2.

Also, a factional circuit 3 such as a sense amplifier is powered by the voltage V_(cc).sbsp.1 and a low voltage GND2 applied to a ground pad PGND2. Further, a functional circuit 4 such as a data output buffer is powered by the voltage V_(cc).sbsp.1 and a low voltage GND3 applied to a ground pad PGND 3.

In the semiconductor device of FIG. 1, however, as stated above, since the number of pads is large, the integration of the device is reduced.

In FIG. 2, which illustrates a second prior art semiconductor device, the functional circuit 3 is connected to the power supply pad PGND1, and accordingly, the ground pad PGND2 of FIG. 1 is deleted. Since the number of pads is reduced, the integration of the device is enhanced.

In FIG. 3, which is a detailed circuit diagram of the device of FIG. 2, the input circuit 1 is formed by a P-channel MOS (broadly, MIS) transistor Q_(P).sbsp.1 connected between the power supply pad PVCC1 and the node N1 and an N-channel MOS transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1 connected between the node N1 and the ground pad PGND1. The input voltage V_(in) is applied to gates of the transistors Q_(p).sbsp.1 and Q_(n).sbsp.1. Also, the inverter 2 is formed by a P-channel MOS transistor Q_(p).sbsp.2 connected between the power supply pad PVCC1 and the node N2 and an N-channel MOS transistor Q_(n).sbsp.2 connected between the node N2 and the ground pad PGND2. The voltage at the mode N1 is applied to gates of the transistors Q_(p).sbsp.2 and Q_(n).sbsp.2.

Further, referring to FIG. 4, which is a plan view of the device of FIG. 3, reference numerals PD1 and PD2 designate P-type impurity diffusion regions, and ND1 and ND2 designate N-type impurity diffusion regions. Also, reference numerals G1 and G2 designate polycrystalline silicon layers. Further, references V_(cc).sbsp.1 , IN, N1, N2, GND1, GND2 and GND3 designate first aluminum layers.

In FIG. 4, the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1 is formed by the P-type impurity diffusion region PD1 which are divided into a source region connected via contacts to the aluminum layer V_(cc).sbsp.1 and a drain region connected via contacts to the aluminum layer N1, and the polycrystalline silicon layer G1 serving as a gate electrode connected via contacts to the aluminum layer IN. Also, the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1 is formed by the N-type impurity diffusion region ND1 which is divided into two source regions connected via contacts to the aluminum layer GND1 and a drain region connected via contacts to the aluminum layer N1, and the polycrystalline silicon layer G1 serving as a gate electrode connected via contacts to the aluminum layer IN.

Also, in FIG. 4, the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.2 is formed by the P-type impurity diffusion region PD2 which is divided into a source region connected via contacts to the aluminum layer V_(cc).sbsp.1 and a drain region connected via contacts to the aluminum layer N2, and the polycrystalline silicon layer G2 serving as a gate electrode connected via contacts to the aluminum layer N1. Also, the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.2 is formed by the N-type impurity diffusion region ND2 which is divided into a source region connected via contacts to the aluminum layer GND1 and a drain region connected via contacts to the aluminum layer N2, and the polycrystalline silicon layer G2 serving as a gate electrode connected via contacts to the aluminum layer N2.

Further, the aluminum layers V_(cc).sbsp.1 and GND1 extend and reach the functional circuit 3 (see FIG. 3), and the aluminum layers V_(cc).sbsp.1 and GND2 extend and reach the functional circuit 4 (see FIG. 3).

The operation of the device of FIG. 3 will be explained next with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B where the functional circuit 3 is not operated.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the input voltage V_(in) is changed from low ("L") to high ("H"). In this case, the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1 is operated in a saturation state, and therefore, a soure-to-drain current I_(p) flowing through the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1 is

    I.sub.p =K.sub.p (V.sub.cc.sbsp. -V.sub.in -|V.sub.thp |)2(1)

where K_(p) is a constant; and V_(thp) is a threshold voltage of the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1.

Also, the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1 is operated in a saturation state, and therefore, a drain-to-source current I.sub. flowing through the transistor Q.sub..sbsp.1 is

    I.sub.n =K.sub.n (V.sub.in =V.sub.thn)2                    (2)

where K_(n) is a constant; and V_(thn) is a threshold voltage of the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1.

Since the current flowing through the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1 is equal to the current flowing through the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1, the following relationship is satisfied:

    I.sub.p =I.sub.n                                           (3)

The operation of the device of FIG. 3 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B where the functional circuit 3 is operated.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the input voltage V_(in) is changed from low ("L") to high ("H"). In this case, however, since the voltage GND1 is raised by ΔV due to the noise of the functional circuit 3, the voltage at the input pad PIN becomes V_(in) +ΔV_(in). Therefore, a soure-to-drain current I_(p) flowing through the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1 is

    I.sub.p '=K.sub.p (V.sub.cc.sbsp.1 -V.sub.in -ΔV.sub.in -|V.sub.thp |)2                         (4)

Contrary to the above, the drain-to-source voltage of the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1 is reduced by ΔV, and therefore, the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1 is operated in a non-saturation state. As a result, a drain-to-source current I_(n) ' flowing through the transistor Q_(n).sbsp. is

    I.sub.n '=K.sub.n (V.sub.in +ΔV.sub.in -ΔV-V.sub.thn) -K.sub.n (V.sub.N.sbsp.1 -ΔV).sup.2 /2                       (5)

s where V_(N).sbsp.1 is a voltage at the node N1 by which the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.2 of the inverter 2 is turned ON.

Also, since the current flowing through the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1 is equal to the current flowing through the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1, the following relationship is satisfied:

    I.sub.p '=I.sub.n '                                        (6)

From the equations (3) and (6),

    I.sub.p /I.sub.p '=I.sub.n /I.sub.n '                      (7)

For example, if V_(cc).sbsp.1 =5V, V_(in) =1.7V, V_(thp) =-0.8V, V_(thn) =0.7V, V_(n).sbsp.1 =1.5V, and ΔV=1.0V, then ΔV_(in) =0.98V.

Thus, in the device of FIG. 3, when the voltage GND1 is raised due to the noise by the operation of the functional circuit 3, so that the input voltage V_(in) 1 is also affected by the noise of the operation of the functional circuit 3, a transition of the voltage at the node N2 from a low level to a high level is delayed. Therefore, the access speed of the input circuit 1 is reduced, and accordingly, the access speed of the device is reduced.

In FIG. 7, which illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention, an N-channel MOS transistor Q_(n).sbsp.3 is added to the elements of FIG. 3. The transistor Q_(n).sbsp.3 is connected between the node N1 and the ground pad PGND3 (i.e., the functional circuit 4). A gate of the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.3 is also controlled by the input signal Vin. that is, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a second aluminum layer GND3' is provided and is connected via contacts to one source region of the N-type impurity region ND1 and via contacts to the first aluminum layer GND3. Thus, if L₄ =L₁ +L₂ /2 and L₅ L₂ /2+L₃, where L₁, L₂ and L₃ are widths of the layers GND1, GNU)2, and GND3, respectively, of FIG. 4, and L₄ and L₅ are widths of the layers GND1 (GND2) and GND3, respectively, of FIG. 8, the device of FIG. 7 is not deteriorated in integration as compared with that of FIG. 3.

The operation of the device of FIG. 7 will be explained next with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B where the functional circuits 3 and 4 are not operated.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the input voltage V_(in) is changed from low ("L") to high ("H"). In this case, the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1 is operated in a saturation state, and therefore, a soure-to-drain current I_(p) flowing through the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1 is

    I.sub.p =K.sub.p (V.sub.cc.sbsp. -|V.sub.thp |)2(8)

where K_(p) is a constant; and

V_(thp) is a threshold voltage of the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1.

Also, the transistors Q_(n).sbsp.1 and Q_(n).sbsp.3 are operated in a saturation state, and therefore, a drain-to-source current I_(n1) flowing through the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1 is

    I.sub.n.sbsp.1 =K.sub.n '(V.sub.in -V.sub.thn.sbsp.1)2     (9)

where K_(n) ' is a constant; and V_(thn).sbsp.1 is a threshold voltage of the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1. Also, a drain-to-source current I_(n).sbsp.2 flowing through the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.2 is

    I.sub.n.sbsp.2 =K.sub.n '(V.sub.in -V.sub.thn.sbsp.2)2     (10)

where V_(thn).sbsp.2 is a threshold voltage of the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.2.

since the current flowing through the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1 is equal to the current flowing through the transistors Q_(n).sbsp.1 and Q_(n).sbsp.2, the following relationship is satisfied:

    I.sub.p =I.sub.n.sbsp.1 +I.sub.n.sbsp.2                    (11)

The operation of the device of FIG. 7 will be explained next with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B where the functional circuit 3 is operated and the functional circuit 4 is not operated. Note that, if the functional circuit 3 is a sense amplifier and the functional circuit 4 is a data output buffer, the functional circuits 3 and 4 are not simultaneously operated. In other words, when one of the functional circuits 3 and 4 is operated, the other is not operated.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the input voltage V_(in) is changed from low ("L") to high ("H"). In this case, however, since the voltage GND1 is raised by ΔV due to the noise of the functional circuit 3, the voltage at the input pad PIN becomes V_(in) +ΔV_(in). Therefore, a soure-to-drain current I_(p) ' flowing through the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1 is

    I.sub.p '=K.sub.p (V.sub.cc.sbsp.1 -V.sub.in -ΔV.sub.in -|V.sub.thp |)2                         (12)

Contrary to the above, although the drain-to-source voltage of the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1 is reduced by ΔV, the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1 is still operated in a saturation state. As a result, a drain-to-source current I_(n).sbsp.1 ' flowing through the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.1 is

    I.sub.n.sbsp.1 '=K.sub.n '(V.sub.in +ΔV.sub.in -ΔV-V.sub.thn.sbsp.1)2                              (13)

Also, the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.2 is operated under a saturation state, and therefore, a drain-to-source current I_(n).sbsp.2 ' flowing through the transistor Q_(n).sbsp.2 is

    I.sub.n.sbsp.2 '=K.sub.n '(V.sub.in +ΔV.sub.in -V-V.sub.thn.sbsp.2)2(14)

Also, since the current flowing through the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.1 is equal to the current flowing through the transistors Q_(n).sbsp.1 and Q_(n).sbsp.2 , the following relationship

is satisfied;

    I.sub.p '=I.sub.n.sbsp.1 '+I.sub.n.sbsp.2 '                (15)

From the equations (11) and (15),

    I.sub.p /I.sub.p '=(I.sub.n.sbsp.1 +I.sub.n.sbsp.2)/(I.sub.n.sbsp.1 '+I.sub.n.sbsp.2 ')                                       (16)

For example, if V_(cc).sbsp.1 =5V, V_(in) =1.7V, V_(thp) =-0.8V, V_(thn) =V_(thn).sbsp.2 =0.7V, V_(N).sbsp.1 1.5V, and ΔV 32 1.0V, then

ΔV_(in) =0.25V.

Thus, the increase ΔV_(in) of the input voltage V_(in) is reduced by more than 25% as compared with the prior art device of FIG. 3. As a result, a transition of the voltage at the node N2 from a low level to a high level is not delayed. Therefore, the access speed of the input circuit 1 is not so decreased, and accordingly, the access speed of the device is not so decreased.

Similarly, in the device of FIG. 3, when the voltage V_(cc).sbsp.1 is lowered due to the noise by the operation of the functional circuit 3, so that the input voltage V_(in) is also affected by the noise of the operation of the functional circuit 3, a transition of the voltage at the node N2 from a high level to a low level is delayed. Therefore, the access speed of the input circuit 1 is reduced, and accordingly, the access speed of the device is reduced. In order to suppress the reduction of the input voltage V_(in), a second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 11.

In FIG. 11, a power supply pad PVCC2, a power supply layer V_(cc).sbsp.2 connected to the power supply pad PVCC2, and a P-channel MOS transistor Q_(p).sbsp.3 is added to the elements of FIG. 3. Note that the power supply layer C_(cc).sbsp.2 is made of one of the first aluminum layers. The transistor Q_(p).sbsp.3 is connected between the node N1 and another power supply pad PVCC2 (i.e., the functional circuit 4). A gate of the transistor Q_(p).sbsp.3 is also controlled by the input signal V_(in). That is, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a second aluminum layer VCC' is provided and is connected via contacts to another drain region of the P-type impurity region PD1 and via contacts to first aluminum layer C_(cc).sbsp.2.

Similarly, in the second embodiment, the decrease ΔV_(in) of the input voltage V_(in) is reduced as compared with the prior art device of FIG. 3. As a result, a transition of the voltage at the node N2 from a high level to a low level is not delayed. Therefore, the access speed of the input circuit 1 is not so decreased, and accordingly, the access speed of the device is not so decreased.

In FIG. 13, which illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention, the first embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 7 is combined with the second embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 11. That is, the P-channel MOS transistor Q_(p).sbsp.3 associated with the power supply pad PVCC2 and the N-Channel MOS transistor Q_(n).sbsp.3 are added to the elements of FIG. 3. In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the second aluminum layers GND3' and VCC' as well as the second aluminum layer C_(cc).sbsp.2 are added to the elements of FIG. 4.

Thus, in the third embodiment, the change of the input voltage V_(in) by the noise due to the operation of the functional circuit 3 or 4 is reduced as compared with the device of FIG. 3. As a result, a transition of the voltage at the node N2 from a low level to a high level or vice versa is not delayed. Therefore, the access speed of the input circuit 1 is not so reduced, and accordingly, the access speed of the device is increased.

In FIGS. 8, 12 and 14, although the connections IN, N1 and N2 are made of the first aluminum layers, the connections IN, N1 and N2 can be made of the second aluminum layers.

As explained hereinbefore, according to the present invention, since noise applied to an input circuit due to the operation of functional circuits is substantially reduced, the access speed of the input circuit can be increased, and accordingly, the access speed of the device can be increased. 

I claim:
 1. A semiconductor device comprising:a first pad for receiving a first power supply voltage; a second pad for receiving a second power supply voltage; a third pad for receiving a third power supply voltage; an input pad for receiving an input voltage; an output node; a first MIS transistor of a first conductivity type, being connected between said first pad and said output node and having a gate connected to said input pad; a second MIS transistor of a second conductivity type opposite to said first conductivity type, being connected between said output node and said second pad and having a gate connected to said input pad; and a third MIS transistor of said second conductivity type, being connected between said output node and said third pad and having a gate connected to said input pad.
 2. A device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:a first functional circuit connected between said first pad and said second pad; and a second functional circuit connected between said first pad and said third pad.
 3. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first MIS transistor is of a P-channel type, and said second and third MIS transistors are of an N-channel type.
 4. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first MIS transistor is of an N-channel type, and said second and third MIS transistors are of a P-channel type.
 5. A semiconductor device comprising:a first pad for receiving a first power supply voltage: a second pad for receiving a second power supply voltage; a third pad for receiving a third power supply voltage; a fourth pad for receiving a fourth power supply voltage; an input pad for receiving an input voltage; an output node; a first MIS transistor of a first conductivity type, being connected between said first pad and said output node and having a gate connected to said input pad; a second MIS transistor of said first conductivity type, being connected between said second pad and said output node and having a gate connected to said input pad; a third MIS transistor of a second conductivity type opposite to said first conductivity type, being connected between output node and said third pad and having a gate connected to said input pad; and a fourth MIS transistor of said second conductivity type, being connected between said output node and said fourth pad.
 6. A device as set forth in claim 5, further comprising:a first functional circuit connected between said first pad and said third pad; and a second functional circuit connected between said second pad and said fourth pad.
 7. A device as set forth in claim 5, wherein said first and second MIS transistor are of a P-channel type, and said third and fourth MIS transistors are of an N-channel type.
 8. A device as set forth in claim 5, wherein said first and second MIS transistors are of an N-channel type, and said third and fourth MIS transistors are of a P-channel type. 